Do Cruise Ships Go Through the Corinth Canal?

By Robert Palmer

If you are a cruise enthusiast, you might have heard about the iconic Corinth Canal. This canal, located in Greece, connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean Sea. Built in the late 1800s, it is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience a unique journey through this narrow canal.

What is the Corinth Canal

The Corinth Canal is a man-made waterway that separates the Peloponnese peninsula from mainland Greece. It is approximately 6.3 kilometers long and only 25 meters wide at its narrowest point. The canal was built to provide a shortcut for ships traveling between the Aegean and Ionian Seas.

Can Cruise Ships Pass Through

The short answer is no, most cruise ships cannot pass through the Corinth Canal due to their size. The canal has a maximum width of 25 meters and depth of 8 meters. Only small ships and yachts can navigate through it comfortably.

Size Limitations

Cruise ships are massive vessels that require deep waters to navigate safely. Most modern cruise ships are over 300 meters long and more than 60 meters wide, which makes them too large to pass through the Corinth Canal comfortably.

Alternative Routes

Since most cruise ships cannot pass through the canal, they follow alternative routes around the Peloponnese peninsula. These routes take them around Cape Maleas or Cape Matapan, which adds some extra time to their journey but provides stunning views of Greece’s coastline.

Conclusion

The Corinth Canal is an engineering marvel that attracts many tourists every year. However, if you are planning a cruise trip to Greece, be aware that your ship may not be able to pass through it. But don’t worry, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the beauty of Greece’s coastline and its stunning islands.

  • Tip: If you want to experience the Corinth Canal up close, you can take a small boat tour or rent a kayak. This will give you a unique perspective of this narrow waterway.

Overall, while big cruise ships cannot pass through the Corinth Canal due to size limitations, there are still plenty of ways to explore this iconic landmark and the stunning Greek coastline.